Press Releases
Beyond the Box: Is there sectarianism in the Republic of Ireland?
Date: Monday, 16 April 2007
Time: 7.30p.m.
Venue: Graduate Memorial Building, Trinity College Dublin
In light of the debate surrounding the recent Ireland versus England rugby match in Croke Park and the first anniversary of the Love Ulster Rally in Dublin, the Church of Ireland Hard Gospel Project and the Trinity College Theological Society are organising a forum to discuss the topic ?Is there sectarianism in the Republic of Ireland??
The Hard Gospel project emerged as a Church of Ireland response to events in Drumcree and broader issues of sectarianism and discrimination on the island of Ireland. In 2003, the project produced a Scoping Study of the attitudes of a wide variety of church members. It identified that ?Most (but not all) respondents in the Republic believe that sectarianism is a northern issue?.
The common perception is that the Republic of Ireland is now post-modern, post-national and post-Christendom and therefore post-sectarian. However if we simply ignore or deny the historical divide that has existed on the island of Ireland, then we are ill-equipped to deal positively with the enormous diversity of identities in 21st Century Ireland.
The Trinity College Theological Society, which was formed in 1830, regularly provides forums to discuss various religious topics. This event will have a distinctly young, non-political and southern feel to it. It is hoped that it will afford those present to identify what hard issues remain to be faced and overcome to achieve a truly pluralist and peaceful Irish society.
For more details contact Philip McKinley (+353 (0)87 132 5531) or E-mail Philip McKinley